What is Executive Protection – What You Need to Know – ESS

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What is Executive Protection and how does it differ from hiring a bodyguard? What you need to know before hiring an executive protection specialist.

What is Executive Protection – What You Need to Know – ESS

There is a difference between bodyguards and executive protection strategies.
Executive protection (EP), also known as close protection, refers to security measures taken to ensure the safety of VIPs. celebrities, executives or other individuals who may be exposed to elevated personal risk because of their employment, celebrity status, wealth, associations or geographical location.
Executive protection is its own highly specialized field within the private security industry, and was started by the US Secret Service back in the 1970’s while protecting foreign dignitaries.

Executive Protection Services from ESS GlobalWhat is Executive Protection and how does it differ from hiring a bodyguard?

What is Executive Protection and how important is it? Unfortunately, all it takes is a very bad event to answer that question. And that is primarily where executive protection varies from hiring a bodyguard. While having a bodyguard with an NFL physique open your limo door looks imposing, executive protection requires risk assessment, advance work and lot’s of legwork to insure all goes according to plan.

What is Executive Protection? Mitigating Risk

The assessment of risk probability for any VIP is affected by a number of details. While some truly are industry secrets, there are 3 probabilities we can discuss here, that a typical “bodyguard” would never be trained on.
Specific Threats
Specific threats to the principal and his/her family from “persons of interest” need to be perceived and analyzed to keep the principals safe now and in the future. It should be no surprise that those who pose the biggest threats are rarely those who end up making direct threats. This mean that assessing risk entails more than recording actual threats. It should also encompass proactive intelligence to identify both probable and possible threats from persons and groups of interest. 
motorcade training in tampa bayTraffic
For some reason, crime, terrorism, kidnapping and traffic risks are perceived to be greater in certain cities or countries. A jeweler traveling to Caracas is perceived to be at greater risk than traveling to Chicago. Perhaps, but risk is everywhere. And while we are on the topic of travel, do you know the greatest single risk in travel? Getting seriously hurt in a road accident while driving a car. Secure transportation is a very important component of executive protection.
Prominence
The third key indicator of risk probability is prominence. The more well known the principal is, the more likely they are to be approached by “persons of interest”. These interactions can range from slight to enormous invasions of privacy. They can be largely innocuous, or incredibly hostile. For celebrities, it can be over zealous fans. For other industries, say politicians, oil executives, religious speakers and other polarizing individuals, the risk of threat is higher.

Executive Protection and Bodyguards are Night and Day

Most bodyguards wonder “What is Executive Protection?” Why? Most bodyguards have never heard such words as Threat Assessment, Advance Tactics, Route Reconnaissance, Embus and Debus plans, Area Surveillance, Movement Safety, etc. These guys usually show up on the day of an event/gig and depend on physical deterrence. The problem with that is, there is usually someone in the crowd that no matter how big you are, they will still try something foolish. Many times purposely, in an effort to get your hands on them and then collect a payday in the form of a lawsuit or out of court settlement/payoff.
In the protection industry, there is no “license”, no testing, and no boards in most states. Executive Protection is usually lumped into the same category as Security Guards or Private Investigation and has little to do with either. Yet we see training to earn your “certified protection specialist credentials” advertised online. Unfortunately, nobody is regulating these schools, training centers and trainers. Meaning, nobody regulates or monitors what is taught and who is teaching it. Anybody off the street could be teaching you false and/or misleading information and you are paying for it. So your “protection credentials” at the end of the day is a piece of paper from the trainer and nothing more.

We Hire From Our Own School

This is exactly where ESS Global Executive Protection School differs. We are licensed and our curriculum and instructors are all regulated and monitored by the D.O.E. And, only a few elite schools are D.O.E. approved and certified for executive protection. ESS has the only Executive Protection School in Florida, that is certified and approved by the D.O.E.

What You Need to Know About Executive Protection

New Challenges
executive protection - things can change rapidly Executive Protection Specialists that are responsible for the safety and security of VIPs, corporate executives, politicians, celebrities and others are facing new challenges. These challenges are created by a shift in how these principals are viewed by society at large.  Now, in the age of social media, VIPs can face near instant criticism and scorn for what others may deem a controversial position or statement, and in mere minutes, that criticism can reach hundreds of thousands of people. With a negative message getting vaulted into cyberspace, a principal can be confronted with a serious risk from lone activists and fringe groups who are determined to use extreme means to make an example of corporations, political beliefs, or celebrities which they suddenly perceive in a negative light.

Executive Protection – It’s All in the Assessment

Executive protection risk analysisThe first step in hiring an Executive Protection Firm is a Risk Assessment. This assessment process gauges the Threat/Vulnerability/Risk issues, factoring in such priorities as the type of industry that the principal is in, the notoriety, and the opposition groups/people they may encounter. This is a time-intensive and in-depth process that should be managed by a professional with experience in VIP risk assessment.  Very often, an outside consultation firm like ESS Global Corp, is the best option for managing this process.  ESS will give you an objective assessment of the most pertinent issues that your Executive Protection program will need to focus on.
Once the assessment phase is complete a program outline is then developed based on the threats/vulnerabilities/risks that were identified.  This program outline will address the identified issues through a spectrum of risk mitigation strategies intended to be cost-effective and proactively efficient. Although every situation is unique, there are mitigation strategies that are common to most all of them, such as the use of trained security drivers, protective intelligence gathering/analysis, embus and debus procedures, plans for public and private events, surveillance detection programs, and executive protection. These mitigation strategies require an understanding of the implications that come with them.

Good protective work is seldom seen, but always present. To learn more about ESS Global Executive Protection and VIP Protection, contact us today.

executive protection - for the familyWhen it comes to your security and the safety of your family, never accept “security” that compromises your protection by putting you in the hands of untrained personnel. Our close protection personnel are ideal for executives, executive teams, celebrities, athletes, politicians, musicians, dignitaries, and other individuals and families that need protection for an event, a venue, travel, a meeting, or 24/7, to protect privacy, family, careers and overall safety and well-being.
Email info@essglobalcorp.com

727-940-7926

Fire Watch Security in Tampa

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Fire Watch Security in Tampa – ESS professionals are specially trained to provide fire watch security services throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

Update 4-3-20

It’s especially important to protect your business during the Covid related shutdowns.

Fire Watch Security in Tampa

There are specific events which lead requiring fire watch security. Such events can be a malfunction or a complete absence of fire protective equipment or fire-related systems. This may include, but is not limited to, fire sprinklers not working properly, fire alarm malfunction, water being shut off for repairs, fire sprinkler or pump being out of service, heightened risk of fire due to chemical storage, flammable material or hazardous wastes – making it a situation that can be very dangerous if left unnoticed.

What is Fire Watch Security??

Fire watch services are on-site safety functions performed by specially trained security guards.
ESS Global Services typically include:

  • Patrolling – Performing patrols at regular intervals during shifts that cover the facility 24/7 and throughout the year if needed.
  • Identifying fire hazards – Look for conditions that increase fire risk so that they can be addressed before a serious problem arises.
  • Keeping logs – Maintain thorough records of patrols and any information relevant to fire risk, such as any hazards encountered. Logs are often required by the authorities and by insurance companies.
  • Checking equipment – A fire watch guard may be retained when the fire monitoring system is not fully functional, but a trained fire watch guard can check on the condition and functionality of the alarms and fire suppression equipment that is available on-site.
  • Contact the fire department – If a fire does break out, the fire watch guard will contact the fire department and provide all relevant information.

Fire Watch Security in Tampa – ESS Global Corp.

Fire Watch Security in Tampa
A fire watch security service is generally needed when you don’t have proper fire-fighting devices in place. If your fire alarm, fire extinguisher, or sprinkler system is not working efficiently, you will need a reliable fire watch service. A fire outbreak is not restricted to just areas which have inflammable or reactive materials.
Some of the places or areas that may need fire watch security services are:

  • Special events
  • Concert and exhibition/ festival venues
  • Private venues
  • Construction sites
  • Residential complexes
  • Business parks
  • Commercial buildings
  • Retail stores and malls
  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Theaters
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Schools/ colleges
  • Industrial/ manufacturing units
  • Warehouses

ESS Global provides exceptional fire watch services to businesses in and around the Tampa area. 
Call today to speak with a security professional about how we can help you.

727-940-7926

info@essglobalcorp.com 

Halloween Safety Tips 2019

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Halloween Safety Tips 2019 – ESS Global, a safety consulting firm has some important Halloween safety tips you may not have thought about.

Halloween Safety Tips 2019


Halloween brings parties, fun and sweets to children, but those little ghouls and goblins are not the only things to be afraid about on Halloween. Accidents and mishaps increase dramatically on Halloween night.
For instance, children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year. 

Halloween Safety Tips 2019 – Trick or Treating

  • Halloween Safety Tips 2018Plan your route in advance – stick to areas both you and your children are familiar with. Keep your head on a swivel.
  • Stay well lit – carry glow sticks and flashlights. Be sure you can see your path. Consider reflective tape. Be sure you can be seen by motorists.
  • Don’t trip up – Make sure costumes don’t touch the ground. Long costumes that drag on the ground can be dangerous, especially at night.
  • Avoid masks that impede sight!
  • Stay in groups – bring friends, stay in groups and this bears repeating – never send younger children out alone.
  • Be sure children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.
  • Put your cell phones down and keep your heads up. Walk, don’t run. Use crosswalks and traffic signals.
  • Watch out for open flames in those jack-o-lanterns sitting on porches.
  • Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
  • Always walk younger children all the way to the door to receive treats, and…
  • Never allow your children to enter the home of a stranger.

And it’s not just taking your kids out for some fun at twilight, you must be vigilant all day. The children are all wound up just walking home from school, even walking to school. Don’t be distracted while driving. Stay focused.

Halloween Safety Tips 2019 – Driving

  • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and can move in unpredictable ways.
  • Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.
  • Take extra time to look for children at intersections.
  • Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic.
  • Turn your headlights on earlier in the day.
  • It’s a popular week for adult parties – While no night during the year is good for drinking and driving, this is especially true tonight!
  • Twice as many child pedestrians are killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. PAY ATTENTION WHEN DRIVING.

Halloween Safety Tips 2019 – Around the House

  • Halloween Safety Tips 2018 - ESSBe smart about decorations placement – And don’t overload electrical outlets.
  • Set up those spooky candles with care – Try to use battery operated candles as pets and children can knock things over. And have a fire extinguisher handy.
  • Make your doorway safe – Make sure that driveways and walkways are cleaned up and well maintained. Make sure everything is well lit.

Halloween Safety Tips 2019 – Adult Parties – Safety Tips for Women

  • Don’t let your guard down. Halloween is not an excuse to throw caution to the wind. Keep an eye on your belongings (that includes your drink!)
  • Dress appropriately. We love sexy Halloween costumes, but you don’t want to attract unwanted attention. Cover up as you go to and from parties, and make sure you’re able to move easily in your costume (in case you need to make a quick getaway). Which leads us to…
  • Stay in groups. You may be dressed like Wonder Woman, but that doesn’t mean you have superhero powers. Stick with your friends to prevent being in alone in an unsafe situation and check in with one another at the end of the night to make sure you all get home safe and sound.
  • Have a safety net. If you find yourself separated from friends in unfamiliar territory (it’s a night to stay on the beaten path) have a back-up plan, or call a trusted friend.  If you feel unsafe for any reason – keep your phone handy and don’t be afraid to call 911 if a threatening situation develops.

By taking the time to plan ahead and using these Halloween safety tips, you can ensure you and your children, as well as others, have a happy, healthy, and safe Halloween.
“As the only security training facility in Florida to be licensed by the Florida Department of Education, ESS Global Corporation provides education, training and consulting for commercial endeavors, government entities and the general public solely designed to enhance the safety and security of our communities. Our partnerships promote an unrelenting devotion to high standards of duty and courage.  ESS Global Corporation accomplishes this mission through an unwavering dedication to deliver comprehensive security services to the communities we value and serve.”

Questions?

Call

727-940-7926

 or email info@essglobalcorp.com

Church Security in Tampa

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When News 9 in Tampa wanted to do a story on Church Security in Tampa, they contacted the experts at ESS Global Corp. ESS Church Security in the Tampa Bay.

Church Security in Tampa

UPDATE August 1st 2019

For pastors, priests, rabbis, religious leaders, teachers, and their staff members, security and safety should be on top of their minds. Churches, and other houses of worship face a unique set of security challenges and are all subject to crime and violence. Church Security and Safety should be a priority in all Churches and Houses of Worship. If not, security plans and improvements will not be made, leading to vulnerability, and when you least expect it, an event occurs.
While there is no assurance that a violent episode in church can be avoided, you can be prepared for the possibility of an incident occurring and controlling it with the addition of professional church security training from ESS Global Corp.

Tampa Area Church Security Training – Tarpon Springs FL August 17 at 9:00 AM

This Church Security Training in Tampa will last approximately 4-5 hours. 
Location: West Coast Word Church – 425 East Spruce St. Tarpon Springs 34689
Date: August 17, 2019
Time: 9:00 AM – Approximately 2:00 PM
Cost: $50 Advance – $75 at the door
The training that your staff will receive and then the knowledge and information that they will pass down to the congregation will not only prepare the church, but could possibly end up saving the lives of the Pastor, his family and the congregation and staff.

By taking responsibility for the safety of your church with faith based security, you will have done the best thing possible to reduce risk.

Register Online And Save $25!

727-940-7926

info@essglobalcorp.com
This article originally appeared Jan 5 2018.
Just before the new year, News 9 contacted one of our church clients to discuss the growing need for churches to have a dedicated security plan in place.
By happenstance, they contacted  Without Walls International Church in Tampa, a client of ESS Global (you can see their letter to us HERE).

Article Highlights

  • Churches increasing security measures for new year
  • Some churches have added security teams
  • Move comes after several attacks across the country

Read the News 9 Article

Church Security in Tampa – ESS Global Corp

Church Security in Tampa

“The thing we like to see is that number one, churches understand that bad things do happen.” Theodore Billiris – President ESS Global Corp

Update – 11-7-18 A horrific shooting a a place of worship in Pittsburgh takes 11 lives. 
Just short of one year later, we have yet another mass killing in a place of worship, this time in Pittsburgh.
And again, ESS has been contacted by Action News in Tampa for the 2nd time this year.
Church Security in Tampa Florida 2018

Church Security in Tampa Bay, Clearwater and St Petersburg

The Experts in Church Security in Florida – ESS Global

ESS Global Church Security in TampaFor pastors, priests, rabbis, religious leaders, teachers, and their staff members, security and safety should be on top of their minds. Churches, and other houses of worship face a unique set of security challenges and are all subject to crime and violence. Church Security and Safety should be a priority in all Churches and Houses of Worship. If not, security plans and improvements will not be made, leading to vulnerability, and when you least expect it, an event occurs.
While there is no assurance that a violent episode in church can be avoided, you can be prepared for the possibility of an incident occurring and controlling it with the addition of qualified, professional security personnel from ESS Global Corp.
ESS Global Corp also offers church security training.
The training that your staff will receive and then the knowledge and information that they will pass down to the congregation will not only prepare the church, but could possibly end up saving the lives of the Pastor, his family and the congregation and staff.

By taking responsibility for the safety of your church with faith based security, you will have done the best thing possible to reduce risk.

So what’s the best course to take? Start by calling the friendly church security experts at ESS Global for a church security and threat analysis.

727-940-7926

info@essglobalcorp.com

Active Shooter Planning – Tampa

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Active Shooter Planning – Tampa – ESS Global develops, facilitates, and delivers cutting edge training designed to amplify the effectiveness of individuals in an active shooter environment.

Active Shooter Planning – Tampa

Every business and organization should have an Active Shooter Plan. That’s a given. 
Here at ESS Global in Tampa, we are experts in developing prevention and mitigation strategy training solutions fully-customized to your organization and budgetary needs.

Active Shooter Planning in Tampa – Armed and Unarmed Response Training

Active Shooter Planning - Tampa
Be Prepared – Armed and Unarmed Active Shooter Training in Tampa Florida. We focus on the critical gap between the first trigger pull and police arrival.
Given today’s ever-changing threat environment, preparing for and training to cope with active public threats and workplace violence should be a key piece of an organization or business emergency action plan.
Tampa’s Most Comprehensive Active Shooter Preparedness Program Delivered By The Only D.O.E. Approved Security School in Florida.
There is a critical gap that occurs during the time between when the active shooter first pulls the trigger and when law enforcement arrives. This is the focus of the ESS Active Shooter Training in Tampa. The actions you take during those critical first few minutes can minimize the the number of lives lost. 
This program is custom-tailored to the needs of each organization.

Active Shooter Planning – Tampa – Unarmed Training

Tampa Active Shooter Training – Unarmed Response

The Unarmed Active Shooter Training is designed for average everyday citizens and explores survival during an active shooter event. The techniques and tactics instructed are based on the federal guidelines of run, hide, and fight. The first two hours of this course are classroom based and the second two hours are scenario based.
Cost – $150/ student
Maximum Capacity of 40 students
Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more
*Class size can be increased but it will incur a cost as extra instructors must attend to accommodate class size.
**We can come to your facility to carry out the training. Please contact our office to make arrangements. Price may vary slightly depending upon location.
***Combo course of both Unarmed and Armed Response available for a reduced combo price. Please call to inquire.
****All students will receive a certification upon completion of the course taken. Those that take the combo course will receive 2 certifications (1 for each course).

 727-940-7926

info@essglobalcorp.com

Active Shooter Planning – Tampa – Armed Training


The armed training is designed for individuals that have the lawful capability of responding to an active shooter event while armed. Specific examples include concealed carry holders, licensed security personnel and off duty law enforcement. The first four hours of this class specifically deals with the law and use of force instruction. The second four hours deals with scenario based exercises utilizing non-lethal training munitions.
Cost – $350/ student
Maximum Capacity of 14 students
Group rates are available for groups of 5 or more
*Class size can be increased but it will incur a cost as extra instructors must attend to accommodate class size.
**We can come to your facility to carry out the training. Please contact our office to make arrangements. Price may vary slightly depending upon location.
***Combo course of both Unarmed and Armed Response available for a reduced combo price. Please call to inquire.
****All students will receive a certification upon completion of the course taken. Those that take the combo course will receive 2 certifications (1 for each course).

 727-940-7926

info@essglobalcorp.com

Active shooter incidents can happen anywhere. Workplaces, Schools, Clubs, Cinemas, Churches…anywhere where innocent people are. Be Prepared. Armed and Unarmed Active Shooter Training in Tampa at the only D.O.E Approved Security School in Florida – ESS Global.

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